Notice Regarding Relics

Relic of Blessed Karl in Augustinerkirche, Vienna

It has come to the attention of the Gebetsliga that dubious relics of Emperor Karl are being sold on eBay.com in the form of holy cards, rosaries, and medals. Please note, the only distributor of genuine authenticated relics of Emperor Karl is the Gebetsliga and that they are always provided at no cost.

Like all blessed objects, relics cannot be sold lest some be led astray by thinking that holiness can be bought and sold. The fate of Simon Magus (Acts 8:9-25) would also be the fate of those who think that holiness can be purchased with money.

“Saints are venerated in the Church, according to tradition, and their authentic relics and images are held in honor” Ecumenical Council Vatican II, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium, 4 December 1963, n. 111.

Because of the significance of relics and the honor due to them, the Holy See takes special care to guarantee authenticity through the publication of proper certificates with signature and seal by those officially approved. This applies to all first and second-class relics. Likewise, third-class relic prayer cards of Blessed Karl carry an official printed seal of the Gebetsliga, attesting to their authenticity.

“Relics in the Church have always received particular veneration and attention because the body of the Blesseds and of the Saints, destined for the resurrection, has been on earth the living temple of the Holy Spirit and the instrument of their holiness, recognized by the Apostolic See through beatification and canonization” (Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Instruction: Relics in the Church — Authenticity and Preservation, Rome, 2017).